With the recent weather we have been having here in Northern Virginia and the National Weather Service's recently issued flood watch for the Northern Virginia area (good through tonight), I thought it would be a good idea to talk about how to prepare a flood in your Northern Virginia property. Even homeowners who aren't living in areas considered to be "flood zones" can still find themselves facing a flood. So, being prepared ahead of time can make a big difference when an actual flood happens.

Flood Insurance - Talk to your insurance agent. If you have flood insurance, find out what exactly is covered on your Northern Virginia home and for how much, just in case you need to make changes to your policy. If you don't have flood insurance, discuss what is available. There may be a waiting period for a new policy or policy change. That's why it's important to take care of it right away. For more info on flood insurance, please visit the National Flood Insurance Program's website.

Important Papers - Always keep your important papers, such as birth certificates, tax information, insurance information, wills, etc, in a safe and secure area, away from anywhere that water could get to them. Along with the important papers, you should store a detailed inventory of your belongings, including serial numbers, pictures and/or video. This will come in handy if you ever have to file a claim in the future. You may want to consider purchasing a fireproof/waterproof safe.

Cherished Pictures and Family Heirlooms - Any item you consider valuable to you (that can't be replaced) should be kept in a container that can easily be removed when you find yourself in a flood situation. Again, keep them in a waterproof container to avoid any possible damage.

Utility Shut Off - All members of your family should know where your utility shut off is for your Northern Virginia home in case you have to leave. Show even the younger members how to shut off the gas and water. Practice this with them as often as you can.

Food and Water - Create an emergency kit for your car (in case you need to leave) that includes food, water, a basic first aid kit and warm blankets. Make sure you include a can opener for any canned food you include in your kit. Keep bottled drinking water on hand at home, as well, because the flood water can contaminate your normal house water, making it unusable and undrinkable.

Emergency Plan - Create and implement an emergency plan with your family. Practice what to do in case of any emergency: fire, flood, etc. Designate one person outside of your Northern Virginia home that you all will contact if you become separated. Make sure everyone knows how to get a hold of that person.

When you learn how to prepare for a flood in your Northern Virginia home, you will be less likely to panic in an emergency and will recover much more quickly. It's always good to plan ahead.

Gene Mock, your Northern Virginia and South Carolina real estate specialist